The Ministry of Education has approved a new Code of Ethics that sets more detailed rules for the conduct of employees, both inside and outside the institution. According to the document approved by Minister Mirela Kumbaro, employees who want to engage in outside activities will first have to obtain written approval from their superior, while the code also addresses appearance, the use of public assets, conflicts of interest, and phone use during meetings.
Written permission for activities outside official duties
One of the strongest points of the code is the requirement that any employee seeking to carry out outside activities, in addition to work at the ministry, must obtain written approval from their superior. According to the official version, it will first be verified whether that activity is permitted or not.
This is an additional administrative filter on engagements outside the institution, directly tied to checking whether they are compatible with the public function. The document presents this as a measure to preserve integrity and avoid damaging the image of the administration.
State resources and distance from campaigns
The code stipulates that assets, work tools, technological infrastructure, and official databases are to be used only for the fulfillment of official duties and in the service of the public interest.
Along the same lines, the document prohibits making these resources available for activities during election campaigns. The wording emphasizes the political neutrality of the administration, a standard that in practice is often debated whenever elections approach.
Dress, makeup, and political symbols
The code states that appearance at work must be serious. According to the document, extravagant or sportswear clothing, as well as excessive makeup, will not be accepted.
Likewise, employees must not wear clothing, symbols, or other elements that display political beliefs. This broadens the institution’s oversight not only over administrative conduct, but also over how employees present themselves in the workplace.
Conflict of interest, gifts, and reporting violations
The code requires that decision-making not be guided by private interests or political influence. According to the order, an employee must request recusal when they identify a potential conflict of interest.
The document also prohibits the requesting or acceptance, directly or indirectly, of gifts, favors, rewards, or benefits that influence, may influence, or create the perception that they influence the impartial performance of duties.
Another point concerns the reporting of corruption. According to the code, the confidentiality of an employee who reports violations of the law in the course of carrying out their duties will be guaranteed.
Phones off in meetings and the role of the ethics adviser
At meetings with the minister, the secretary-general, or other senior officials, phones must be switched off or set to silent mode, except in cases where their use is authorized by the person chairing the meeting.
The document also provides for the role of the institution’s ethics adviser, who will have a preventive and advisory function in implementing integrity standards. On paper, the package is presented as an effort toward stronger administrative discipline; it remains to be seen how uniformly it will be enforced and whether this will go beyond a merely formal level.
The new code sets a more detailed framework for the conduct of the Ministry of Education’s administration, from private activities to appearance and phone use. The real question remains its practical implementation and the standard that will be used to monitor compliance.